Oppositional Defiant

Disorder (ODD)
Tanner Hemesath
More than just the occasional outburst

All children sometimes have emotional moments. It is when it becomes

consistent that its a problem.

Characterized by frequent and consistent periods of irritation or

argumentation toward and authority figure.

Typically begins in preschool years.

There are no clear estimates for how many have ODD. It may be around the
ballpark of 1-in-16 people.
Symptoms

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists

the following for the diagnosis of ODD:

Includes 4 or more of: angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant

behavior, vindictiveness
Occurs with at least 1 non-sibling
Negatively impacts work/school/family
Occurs independent of another mental health issue or substance abuse
Lasts at least 6 months
Symptoms - Elaborated

Angry/Irritable Mood Often loses temper, easily

annoyed, often angry/resentful

Argumentative/Defiant Behavior often argues with

authority figures, often refuses compliance with
authority figures or rules, purposefully annoys others,
blames others for own mistakes

Vindictiveness been spiteful or vindictive at least

twice within the past 6 months
Causes

No direct cause has been identified. ODD may be inherited through

genetic disposition or may be a result of parenting styles or consistent
problems with other authority figures.

Biological factors which increase risk: parents with a history of ADHD, ODD, CD, or mood disorders;
parents with substance abuse problems; impairment in parts of the brain responsible for judgment and
impulse control; brain-chemical imbalance; toxin exposure; poor nutrition

Psychological factors: poor relationship with parent(s), neglectful/absent parent(s), difficulty forming
social relationships or identifying social cues

Social factors: poverty, abuse, neglect, lack of supervision, inconsistent discipline, family instability

Lists taken from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Complications

Individuals with ODD may have difficulty forming or keeping

relationships or working with others. This can lead to poor
academic performance, antisocial tendencies, impulsive behavior,
substance reliance

The reflexive No a child with ODD might refuse to comply with an

authority figure before they even know what theyre going to ask
Seeking help

An individual with ODD often wont see themselves as having an

issue. Instead, they see themselves as being unreasonably
burdened or that their actions dont matter.

If a childs behavior is seen as abnormal, it is then that the parent

is required to schedule an appointment
Treatment

There is no medication targeted at ODD. However, ODD is often

accompanied by another behavior issue like ADHD, which may be
medicated.

Therapy and training involves not only the child, but also the
parent(s). Treatment is typically long-lasting.

Parent training Parents are trained to more positively affect and

cause less frustration for their child.
Treatment - continued

Parent-child Interaction Therapy therapists guide parents while

they interact with their child. The therapist might sit behind a
one-way window and use wireless communication with parents.

Individual therapy with the child

Cognitive training Helping the child identify negative thought

processes and find alternatives.
Citations

ODD Child Mind Institute

https://childmind.org/guide/oppositional-defiant-disorder/

ODD MayoClinic http://

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oppositional-defiant-diso
rder/basics/definition/con-20024559

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry https://

www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/docs/resource_centers/odd/o
dd_resource_center_odd_guide.pdf